
From our fabulous News Hawks!
Have you seen a TG-related news story online or in your local paper? Send it in to TGF and become a News Hawk! Don't assume we know everything that's out there, because you are our eyes and ears. To file a story, send it in to Cindy .
Peru TS Runs For Office
Contributed by Rachelle Austin, Bobby G and Elizabeth Parker
via Reuters
August 18, 1998
LIMA, - A clairvoyant turned TV presenter turned
woman has upset the Latin country's traditionally macho image and
caused a stir on the political scene by becoming the first transsexual
to run for local office.
Fulvia Celica, who changed sex to a woman and who predicts Peruvians'
futures on a local television show, told Reuters at the weekend that
she had registered as mayoral candidate in the middle class district
of Jesus Maria for Lima's October municipal elections. "I have liked
politics for a long time, but people like me have always been
marginalized. Because I have been operated on, they think I am simply
a queer," Celica said, complaining of many Peruvians' intolerance of
the gay community and their perception of her sexuality. Celica, who
is competing against three other candidates for mayor, said if she
loses the local election she will run for Congress in the 2000
national elections.
Aussie TG Runs For National Office
Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via News Planet
August 19, 1998
New South Wales Australian Democrats have chosen transsexual children's
book author Carmen Morris as their candidate for what's known as the most
conservative seat in the national Parliament. Incumbent Liberal Brendan
Nelson won the Bradfield seat by almost 26% of the vote, the largest
margin in the country. Morris says that, "I don't want to be judged for
what I am. I want to be judged for what I do and what I have to say," and
that's just fine with the party, which has an anti-discrimination policy.
Morris, who underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1989, also says that, "I
am not a transsexual. I used to be one, but now I am a woman." But she
jokes that if elected -- an admittedly most unlikely prospect -- she would
be the Honorable Dismember.
Work That Skirt
Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via Spin Magazine
August 15, 1998
Caffeine, a New York-based streetwear label, has brought
the baggy-jean circumference war to an absurd yet apt denouement with the
Victory, a denim skirt for men that definitely trumps the widest of
wide-leg jeans (currently a leg width of 69 inches). "It's breakin', it's
hittin', it's 80 inches of uncut funk," says Alex That (apparently his
real name), the 28-year-old visionary behind the Victory, who adds, a bit
defensively, "it's a masculine skirt."
While high-end couturiers have
failed with similar efforts to sell the idea of men without pants,
Caffeine sees the Victory as finally bridging the yawning chasm between
uptown B-boy machismo and downtown gender-bending.
"We know our customers,
because we are our customer," says That, whose uncut funk of hyperbole and
yo-yo-ese bears him out. "They have the attitude, 'Hey, I'm a guy, I wear
a skirt, and I don't care."' He shrewdly adds that "the Victory puts
[Caffeine] on the map, " but where on the map remains to be seen. At a
recent trade show, That had one of his minions bounding around the stars
in full skirt regalia, raising the roof and soliciting commentary.
"Yo, man, how dope is this?" the junior dude asked a fellow vender.
"Man," said his visibly disturbed colleague, "you look like an asshole. "
Texas GOP Leader is T-Phobic
Contributed by Veronica Smith
via San Francisco Chronicle
August 13, 1998
From a story about Log Cabin (Gay) Republicans holding their meeting in Dallas, Texas:
"It was in Dallas two months ago that the spokesman for the Texas
Republican Party, Robert Black, called the Log Cabin Republicans a
'deviant group' like the Ku Klux Klan and denied the gay organization a
booth at the state party convention. 'We don't allow pedophiles,
transvestites and cross- dressers, either,' he explained."
New Ministry For Intersexuals
Contributed by Bobbi G
August 18, 1998
Intersex Support Group International (I.S.G.I) announces a new ministry
based on the True Love of Jesus Christ for intersexuals. I.S.G.I. has
been established from the recognition within mainstream Evangelical
Christian churches of birth anomalies labeled "Intersex" or
"Hermaphrodite". Based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., the I.S.G.I. grew out
of the godly response of one Conservative Baptist Church as they studied,
prayed, and responded with compassion to an adult intersexual within their
congregation. From the basic discernment that "being born a hermaphrodite
is not sin", to understanding the complex web of life thrust upon the
intersexual, I.S.G.I. has blossomed to become an oasis of Christian love
and hope.
For to long, the unyielding demands of people claiming the name of Christ
have over-ridden the real love and understanding of our Creator and Lord.
Acknowledged in scriptures, both old and new testaments, persons born with
ambiguous or non-existent genitalia have been promised special blessing,
(Isaiah 56:3-5), as well as understanding of their peculiar relationship
in a two-gendered society, (Matthew19:11-12).
I.S.G.I. has gathered a highly respected panel of leaders from
internationally respected ministries, all serving to keep the lines of
hope and support open to intersexuals, their families, and their church
communities. The 'Manifesto' of I.S.G.I. has been published at the
group's virtual domain on the world wide web, www.isgi.org
In addition to the I.S.G.I. web site, a counseling network has been
established on four continents to provide basic triage' of spiritual and
emotional conflicts experienced by many who cope with this common life
circumstance. (1 in 2000 births) In cooperation with established
intersexual activist groups such as ISNA, the Intersex Support Group
International has taken the lead to provide insight and understanding
toward individuals searching for peace in Christian values.
Sex Change Minister Surprises Congregation
Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via PA News
August 18, 1998
SOUTH WALES - A church minister has stunned his village congregation by announcing he
is to become a woman. Bill Parry, 59, set tongues wagging when he was
spotted walking through the streets in women's clothes -- particularly
as he had a beard at the time. Now the non-conformist chapel minister
and father-of-three has revealed he is undergoing treatment ready for a
sex change operation, and wants to be known as Dian (Correct). Mr
Parry, from Croeserw, near Maesteg, South Wales, who no longer sports a
beard, says he has the full support of his wife Anita, who he married
38 years ago. He told a local newspaper: "Ever since I was a little lad
I have fought against my female impulses and the fact that I am a
transsexual. "But last year I underwent a profound change. My body
began to alter and I knew I could fight it no longer. I have started
paying for treatment and am taking tablets and now dress only in female
clothing. "If all goes well I shall be thinking about consulting a
surgeon at the end of the year. But I want people to know that I am not
a homosexual, or a paedophile and I am not mad."
He paid tribute to his
wife for standing by him, saying: "I don't know what I would have done
without her. "I would have gone quite mad. She has been my rock and has
offered me support since I told her I could hide my true identity no
longer." Mr Parry -- who is also a grandfather -- said he has been
seeing a London psychiatrist for private treatment for the past two
months.
Mr Parry has worked as a non-conformist minister at chapels in the South
Wales mining valleys for 11 years.
He told the Glamorgan Gazette: "Obviously I have now had to approach
the various church committees involved and tell them who I have become
and see whether they are willing to let me work there again." He said
he was a committed Christian and would be hurt if the church committees
could not accept him. Mr Parry said he could offer advice to other
Christians struggling with similar personal problems. "I would like to
set up my own website on the Internet to offer people advice and
guidance," he added. His wife said she was shocked when her husband
revealed his gender change plans: "I had no idea that Dian felt this
way all her life. I was completely shocked. "But our friends and
neighbours have offered us wonderful support. We have been married for
38 years and you just can't walk away from a person you love. And I
love Dian and now we go shopping for clothes together."
|